Faltering Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar needed a second-half equaliser from Brett Holman to earn a point from a 1-1 draw against Feyenoord.
Ronald Koeman's side's chances of retaining their title already look bleak, with PSV Eindhoven's victory over ADO Den Haag putting them 14 points clear of their rivals.
AZ were also looking to bounce back from their midweek Champions League thrashing by Arsenal and things quickly went from bad to worse as Feyenoord took a fifth-minute lead through Sekou Cisse.
The away side largely dominated but AZ managed to hold on for a point after Holman had levelled 10 minutes after half-time.
Cisse made no mistake when he was put clean through on goal, tucking the ball clinically into the corner from 12 yards out.
In a game of few clear-cut chances, the visitors could have doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark.
Andre Bahia got his head to a corner but he could only guide the ball over the bar from barely four yards out.
The hosts threatened for the first time moments later when a long throw from Rasmus Elm was met by Kew Jaliens but his header also cleared the bar.
Feyenoord had another opportunity four minutes before the break as Andwele Slory found himself through on goal after an excellent pass from Karim El Ahmadi.
AZ keeper Sergio Romero was quick off his line, though, and managed to clear the danger.
The hosts levelled in impressive fashion in the 55th minute, Holman taking aim from the left channel and finding the far corner.
Feyenoord came closest to finding a winner but Leroy Fer was unable to keep his shot down after he had been played in by Cisse.